By Annick Nevejan, January 28, 2011
Postgraduate Studies in Mindfulness MSc, Aberdeen University
The concept of Mindfulness can be described in a variety of ways: as a practice, a theory and a tool. This paper introduces the idea of force fields to provide better understanding of the driving and restraining forces in mindfulness as a practice.
Part One of this paper explores the practice and technique of mindfulness in relation to theory. To be mindful requires that one takes a pause, that one practices in observing the self and experience with all that it holds in a specific moment in time, and that one experiences the space beyond judgement and preference. Theoretically mindfulness is understood to be basic for human development, counteracting stress-related symptoms of modern life.
Part Two of this paper addresses teaching and applying mindfulness as a lived experience of being with one another in professional contexts. Teaching mindfulness requires the teacher to be courageous in being mindful while being involved in the act of performing. For professional practice, e.g. for caregivers in a hospice, mindfulness is a fundamental capacity that helps enable one to relate to situations and people when there is no hope. As a result both residents of caregivers and students of teachers are induced to enter the space of mindfulness to become aware of the life energy that nurtures sentient beings in all situations of life.